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Topic: Should we do it? (Read 1631 times)

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion concerning the violence and persecution, directed against christians, in the Middle East. This mad eme think about something. I think most of us are familiar with cases, where orthodox christians have acted violent against non-orthodox religions in orthodox countries. Churches being set on fire, pentecostals having their church demolished and jehovah's Witnesses being attacked in public to mention a few examples. I am in no way saying that these two forms of persecution should be considered equal in measure, however, can we, as orthodox christians, allow ourselves to criticise the muslim world, when many people are experiensing discrimination in orthodox countries?

« Last Edit: October 05, 2012, 05:58:20 AM by Ansgar »

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Do not be cast down over the struggle - the Lord loves a brave warrior. The Lord loves the soul that is valiant.

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion concerning the violence and persecution, directed against christians, in the Middle East. This mad eme think about something. I think most of us are familiar with cases, where orthodox christians have acted violent against non-orthodox religions in orthodox countries. Churches being set on fire, pentecostals having their church demolished and jehovah's Witnesses being attacked in public to mention a few examples. I am in no way saying that these two forms of persecution should be considered equal in measure, however, can we, as orthodox christians, allow ourselves to criticise the muslim world, when many people are experiensing discrimination in orthodox countries?

Yes. We should be criticising any persecution anywhere regardless of whether the perpetrators or the victims are Orthodox. The governments and people in predominantly Orthodox countries shouldn't get let off without criticism, but nor should the fact that abuses exist within our sphere prevent us from criticising similar, or worse, abuses elsewhere.

James

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We owe greater gratitude to those who humble us, wrong us, and douse us with venom, than to those who nurse us with honour and sweet words, or feed us with tasty food and confections, for bile is the best medicine for our soul. - Elder Paisios of Mount Athos

I do not think that having our Churches burned down and being killed or raped by Muslims really compares to other religious minorities in Orthodox countries being picked on or called name by some rude individuals who are Orthodox.

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion concerning the violence and persecution, directed against christians, in the Middle East. This mad eme think about something. I think most of us are familiar with cases, where orthodox christians have acted violent against non-orthodox religions in orthodox countries. Churches being set on fire, pentecostals having their church demolished and jehovah's Witnesses being attacked in public to mention a few examples. I am in no way saying that these two forms of persecution should be considered equal in measure, however, can we, as orthodox christians, allow ourselves to criticise the muslim world, when many people are experiensing discrimination in orthodox countries?

I need more specific examples before I can even begin to form a response. Thanks

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"Religion is a neurobiological illness and Orthodoxy is its cure." - Fr. John S. Romanides

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion concerning the violence and persecution, directed against christians, in the Middle East. This mad eme think about something. I think most of us are familiar with cases, where orthodox christians have acted violent against non-orthodox religions in orthodox countries. Churches being set on fire, pentecostals having their church demolished and jehovah's Witnesses being attacked in public to mention a few examples. I am in no way saying that these two forms of persecution should be considered equal in measure, however, can we, as orthodox christians, allow ourselves to criticise the muslim world, when many people are experiensing discrimination in orthodox countries?

I need more specific examples before I can even begin to form a response. Thanks